VIRTUAL STATEWIDE
[ HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT ]
Friday, January 28th, 2022
This virtual statewide event is for advocates and professionals who are active in addressing human trafficking in Michigan through prevention, education, law enforcement, and/or the provision of services to survivors and at-risk populations. The objective of this forum is to increase collaboration and effectiveness across Michigan communities by identifying barriers, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships.
In addition to the panel sessions listed below, summit registrants will also have the opportunity to participate in various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates.
Brought to you in partnership by: Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP),
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation, and The Joseph Project
SUMMIT AGENDA
Friday, January 28th, 2022
9:00 -2:00 PM (EST)
Innovative Ways to Address Demand
in the Illicit Massage Industry
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Alisha Meneely SEE Human Trafficking Coalition
Community Outreach Coordinator, Protect MI Child
Daniel Nash Co-founder, Human Trafficking Training Center
Retired Missouri State Trooper
Kathy Chen Program Advisor, Heyrick Research
Aaron Toffoli Public Health Educator & Sexual Violence Prevention
Program Coordinator, Kent County Health Department
We have all driven by one. We have all questioned those massage parlors with blacked-out windows and parking in the back. Until recently, these types of businesses in Grand Rapids have been able to run under the radar, exploit victims of human trafficking and make millions of dollars. After much research and working with the city council and local health department, SEE Human Trafficking Coalition was able to get a variety of ordinances passed and finally hold these illicit businesses accountable. This panel will explain the history of the illicit massage industry and how local municipalities can advocate for change and shut these trafficking organizations down.
Collaborating to Close the Justice Gap
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Amanda Paletz Legal Director, The Joseph Project
Alicia Ley Program Specialist, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Allie Mercer Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, Common Ground
Deb Ellinger Founder/Executive Director, Elli’s House
Lynne Williams Director of Rehabilitation Services, The Salvation Army
Joyce Todd Legal First Responder, The Joseph Project
Former Oakland County Prosecutor
Survivors often have trafficking-related legal needs but lack meaningful access to attorney services. However, this “justice gap” is closing in Michigan. In this panel presentation, attendees will learn how The Joseph Project harnessed the power of collaboration and volunteerism to create a statewide justice delivery system that works for the exploited.
Shared Hope International: Trafficking Policy Reform
and Next Steps for Michigan
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Angela Aufdemberge President & CEO, Vista Maria
Sarah Bendtsen Diédhiou Director of State Legislative Advocacy, Shared Hope International
Kelly Carter Assistant Attorney General, Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
Katie Papke Clinician, Professor, Survivor Leader
A decade ago, Shared Hope developed a legal framework that challenged states to enact laws that comprehensively address the crime of child sex trafficking. When they launched the first State Report Cards, the majority of states received an “F” grade, reflecting the reality that many states’ laws failed to even recognize the crime of child sex trafficking. Over the years most states improved their grades, and collectively, the country has made exciting progress. However, 10 years has also led to new research and opportunities to listen to survivors, providing waves of information that require us, as a nation, to confront where we are and where we should be going. Join Katie, clinician and survivor leader, Sarah from Shared Hope and Kelly from the Michigan Attorney General’s office as they discuss Shared Hope’s new reporting system, Michigan progress and challenges, and an overview of current bills and initiatives in progress in our state.
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[ BREAKOUT ROOMS ]
Summit registrants will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates. Registrants are free to come and go as they please during these scheduled times. Click the button below to see the growing list of special guests that will be hosting their own breakout rooms!
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Event Hosts:
Michigan Abolitionist Project
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
The Joseph Project